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This casserole claims inspiration from the ever-iconic French onion soup that has graced restaurant menus. That flavor combination of buttery caramelized onions, beef broth, and Gruyère cheese has such savory appeal, we knew it would effortlessly transform from a soup to a scrumptious casserole.
Preheat oven to 425°F. Lightly coat a shallow 2-qt. baking dish with cooking spray. Add mushrooms, broth, soup, rice, and thyme to the prepared dish; stir to combine. Top with butter slices. Cover dish tightly with foil.
Bake 30 minutes. Uncover; top with meatballs. Bake, uncovered, until rice is tender and meatballs are heated through (165°F), about 30 minutes more.
Top with cheese; tent loosely with foil. Let stand 5 minutes. If you like, sprinkle with additional thyme.